Clenergy was the popular choice used by many solar installers in Ireland and a worldwide brand. They use roof hooks for mounting on either Tile or Slate roofs using DC Rails, Clamps and end caps.
These are silver in colour and roof hooks are made from aluminium.
- Tile Hook
- Slate Hook
- Mid Clamp
- End Clamp
- DC Rail
- Joiner
Below is a typical installation with the roof hook mounted beneath the tiled roof, clamped onto the DC Rail. Then the clamp can be seen which tightens the edge of the solar panel onto the DC Rail.
This system works well and is widely used throughout the world and Ireland.
Solrmount is a new mounting option available over the past 2 years and uses a similar mounting system with Roof hooks for mounting on Tile or Slate roofs using mid & end clamps, DC Rails and joiners.
However, there are advantages with this new product;
Colour
Clenergy uses the natural ‘anodised aluminium’ products with stainless fittings which have a silver finish.
Solrmount uses ‘anodised aluminium’ & Stainless products with a black finish which blends more neatly.
Tile Roof Hooks
Clenergy use Aluminium for the roof hooks and have limited adjustability.
Solrmount (V2.0) Tile hooks are 40mm width in Stainless steel and are a neater and slimmer fitment beneath the Tile. Every tile needs to be ground at this meeting point, but the stainless clamp being stronger but slimmer needs less grinding providing a better finish. When the entire rail is finished and clamped together, the DC Rail is immensely strong..it feels twice the strength of the Clenergy option.
Slate Roof Hooks with Genie flashings – Clenergy Option
Clenergy use Aluminium for the roof hooks and have limited adjustability.
Genie slate flashings are used to provide a waterproof seal on the roof. These slip under the cut slate where the hook has been previously fitted and do a good job of sealing the roof. However, the Genie flashings are quite brittle and can crack if dropped and need to be trimmed for use in most cases.
Slate Roof Hooks with Quick flashings – Solrmount Option
This flashing enables even less disruption on a slate roof. Normally the slates need to be ripped from the roof and the slate hook installed followed by the flashing and then finished with the slate. This is not the case..
Solrmount (V2.0) Slate roof hooks are made from stainless steel in a 40mm width that are a neater and slimmer fitment beneath the Slate.
The Quick Flashes clever design allows for fitment into the roof minimising the need to rip the tile but rather cut the tiles in a certain manner to fit correctly. This takes a bit of skill and knowledge but provides a perfect finish with less disruption.
A cover cap is screwed down that can be removed to access later, it also allows more options for cabling as each point allows access to the attic space.
When the entire rail is finished and clamped together, the DC Rail is immensely strong..it does feels twice the strength of the Clenergy option.
DC Rails
Clenergy has a DC rail that is mounted onto the roof hook using a screwed assembly. The assembly catches on a lip and held at several points along the rail. Adequate, but could be stronger.
Solrmount uses M10 Bolt Lugs that drop into the rail and turn upon tightening. These are rock solid and a far stronger method. They also have more adjustment vertically.
Solmount DC Rails are significantly stronger than clenergy. They bend very little and have a simpler beefier construction. Solrmount (V2) DC Rails are now even stronger at the clamping points which makes a significant further improvement on the strength of clamping to roof hooks and joiners.
DC Rail Joiners
Clenergy have a Splicer. This is a plate that slides on one side of the rail and two screws, one into each of the joining rails bonds the rails together. It does an okay job, but is definitely one of the weaker points.
Solrmount use a joiner. This uses 4 x M10 Slot screws that drop in and twist, then tightened using a 15mm socket. This is immensely strong with no give or bending and a big improvement over clenergy.
Clamps (End & Mid)
Clenergy use a Mid clamp to hold down the solar panels as they meet each other and an End clap at either ends of the rail. These do a solid job of holding the panel to the DC rail.
Solrmount use a similar system but the clamps are noticeably beefier and provide added confidence.
End Caps
Clenergy end caps are made of rubber. They press into the end of the rail and fitting is a bit finnicky and doesn’t hold terribly well. It gioves a bit more polished finish and is a requirement.
Solrmount use an EPDM End cap. This simply slots onto and covers the end of the rail neatly and has a purge slot at the base to allow water to exit. These are a solid job and actually make for a lovely polished finish.
Clenergy installation with standard panels
Solrmount installation with ALL Black panels
Conclusion
Solrmount is my choice for roof fitting Tile or Slate. Products are stronger, easier to fit and beautifully finished.
They are designed in Ireland and are specifically optimised to combat the extreme weather we now experience. They have just released an update on the Tile & Slate product range (V2.0) and I have no doubt this boost in strength was a direct result of experiencing the weather extremities at the start of 2025.
This is the advantage of having a manufacturer and designer based in Ireland. SOLRMOUNT
